The Care Quality Commission (CQC) praised St Nicholas Hospice Care in Bury St Edmunds for the quality of service it provides following an unannounced routine visit last month.

The hospice was evaluated against six criteria, meeting every one: consent to care and treatment; care and welfare of people who use services; cleanliness and infection control; management of medicines; supporting workers; and complaints.

“I want to take this opportunity to thank each and every member of the team for maintaining the very highest of standards and providing some of the best care in the country.”

The commission looked at the personal care or treatment records of people using the hospice and observed how people were being cared for.

As part of the inspection the CQC spoke with seven people who used services and three peoples’ relatives.

The report said: “Everyone we spoke with told us that the standard of care and support they received was high. One person told us: ‘I can’t fault any of the care. It is a wonderful experience and the staff here should have a halo.’

“Another person told us: ‘I find it absolutely top notch. I can walk through the door and know that it will be good’.”

The commission also spoke to six members of staff. The report said: “One member of staff told us: ‘There is very much a feeling of team work. Every level of staff is involved in making this a happy place to work’.”

The CQC regulates all care across the country, including hospices, hospitals and care homes. The hospice also met all of the necessary standards when it was inspected by the CQC in December 2012.